Electronic golf assistant utilizing one or more lay up positions

ABSTRACT

Included are systems and methods for providing data. At least one embodiment of a method includes constructing, by a computing device, a segment line on a computer display of an image of a golf course, the segment line being constructed from a tee box on a golf hole to a green on the golf hole, the segment line bisecting a fairway of the hole; determining at least one lay up position on the segment line, the at least one lay up position indicating a predetermined distance from the green; and providing the at least one lay up position to a user device, the user device configured to determine a distance between the user device and the lay up position.

CROSS REFERENCE

This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 12/695,350,entitled Electronic Golf Assistant Utilizing a Plurality of Images, andU.S. application Ser. No. 12/695,445, entitled Electronic Golf AssistantUtilizing Electronic Scoring, both of which are filed on the same day asthis application and are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

BACKGROUND

In the game of golf, a player often utilizes various pieces ofinformation to improve his/her score. As a nonlimiting example, during around, a player may utilize yardages to a green, to a hazard, and/or toa lay up position. Similarly, a player may also utilize statistical datafrom a round to determine strengths and weaknesses in his/her game. Asthis data may be difficult to accurately determine and present to auser, oftentimes a user is left at a disadvantage.

SUMMARY

Included are systems and methods for providing data. At least oneembodiment of a method includes constructing, by a computing device, asegment line on a computer display of an image of a golf course (such asa satellite image, aerial image, etc.), the segment line beingconstructed from a tee box on a golf hole to a green on the golf hole,the segment line bisecting a fairway of the golf hole; determining atleast one lay up position on the segment line, the at least one lay upposition indicating a predetermined distance from the green; andproviding the at least one lay up position to a user device, the userdevice configured to determine a distance between the user device andthe lay up position.

Also included are embodiments of a system. At least one embodiment ofthe system includes a memory component that stores at least thefollowing: a constructing component configured to construct a segmentline on a computer display of an image of a golf course, the segmentline being constructed from a tee box on a golf hole to a green on thehole, the segment line bisecting a fairway of the golf hole; adetermining component configured to determine at least one lay upposition on the segment line, the at least one lay up positionindicating a predetermined distance from the green; and a providingcomponent configured to provide the at least one lay up position to auser device, the user device configured to determine a distance betweenthe user device and the lay up position.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of this disclosure willbe or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination ofthe following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that allsuch additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be includedwithin this description and be within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with referenceto the following drawings. The components in the drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in thedrawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. While several embodiments are described inconnection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit thedisclosure to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. On thecontrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, andequivalents.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a communications network,which may be configured to facilitate communication of data.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a user device, which maybe configured to provide options for uploading and/or downloadingcontent, such as in the network from FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a nonlimiting example of an image of a portion of agolf course.

FIG. 4 illustrates a nonlimiting example of an image, illustratingutilization of a segment line on a golf course mapping, similar to thediagram from FIG. 3.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate another nonlimiting example of an image of aportion of a golf course, similar to the image from FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface that may beprovided to a user, such as on the user device 102 from FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface that may beprovided in response to selection of the play golf option 602 from FIG.6.

FIG. 8 illustrates a user interface that may be provided in response toselection of the my facilities option 702, from FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates a nonlimiting example of an interface that may beprovided to a user in response to selection of browse option 704 fromFIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 10 illustrates a nonlimiting example of an interface that may beprovided in response to a selection of a golf course from one or more ofthe interfaces from FIG. 7, 8, or 9.

FIG. 11 illustrates in a nonlimiting example of an interface that may beprovided in response to selection of the add new course option 1004 fromFIG. 10.

FIG. 12 illustrates a user interface for providing tee box data for acurrent round, similar to the interface from FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 illustrates a nonlimiting example of an interface that may beprovided in response to a user selection of the add new tee box option,from FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface that maybe provided in response to selection of a tee box from the tee box list,from FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface that maybe provided in response to selection of the scoring system option, fromFIG. 14.

FIG. 16 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface that maybe provided in response to selection of the start round option, fromFIG. 14.

FIG. 17 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface that maybe provided in response to selection of the start round option from FIG.16.

FIG. 18 is a nonlimiting example of a user interface for providing animage of a golf hole, similar to the diagram from FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface forproviding lay up points, such as illustrated in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface forproviding statistical data regarding a user's performance on aparticular hole, as may be accessed by selecting the score option fromFIGS. 17 and 18.

FIG. 21 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface forproviding a user's score on a golf hole, as may be accessed viaselection of the enter score option, from FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface forreceiving supplemental scoring data, similar to the diagram from FIG.21.

FIG. 23 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface forindicating score, upon completion of a hole, similar to the diagram fromFIG. 20.

FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate scorecard data, as may be compiled fromuser input in the interfaces from FIGS. 20-23.

FIG. 25 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface that maybe provided in response to selection of the statistics option 604, fromFIG. 6.

FIG. 26 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface that maybe provided, similar to the interface from FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface that maybe provided, similar to the interface from FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface that maybe provided, similar to the interface from FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface that maybe provided, similar to the interface from FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface that maybe provided, similar to the interface from FIG. 29.

FIGS. 31A and 31B illustrate a nonlimiting example of a user interfacethat may be provided in response to selection of the account option,from FIG. 6.

FIGS. 32A and 32B illustrate a nonlimiting example of a process that maybe utilized in merging a plurality of images, such as in the system ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 33 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a process that may beutilized for determining one or more lay up positions on a golf course,similar to the diagram from FIGS. 32A and 32B.

FIG. 34 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a process that may beutilized for providing user-configurable lay up positions, similar tothe flowchart from FIG. 33.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments disclosed herein include a system and/or method thatutilizes global positioning and/or other positioning systems for use bya golfer on a golf course. More specifically, by utilizing determinedglobal position, embodiments disclosed herein may be configured toprovide segment lines for lay up shots; provide dynamic lay uppositions; provide touch point positions; and/or provide statisticalinformation in a user interface.

More specifically, at least one nonlimiting example may include a userdevice, such as a cellular telephone, personal digital assistant,iphone™, itouch™, ipod™, Blackberry™, or other device. The user devicemay be configured with global positioning hardware, as well as softwarefor determining a user's global position with reference to a golfcourse. Embodiments may also be configured to access satellite and/orother images (or video) associated with the determined global position.

With this information, some embodiments can determine a segment line ona satellite (or other) image of a golf hole, from the tee box to thegreen, through the center of the fairway. The segment line may beconfigured to map one or more position points (such as the lay uppositions), and/or provide flyover images/videos of the hole. When one(or more) of the predetermined distances is close to or in a hazard(such as a bunker or water hazard) or other undesirable location, thatlay up distance may be disabled.

Similarly, some embodiments may be configured to receive and/or utilizedynamic lay up distances. The dynamic lay up distances may be userconfigurable for a particular hole, golfer, and/or golf course.Additionally, another nonlimiting example may be configured to utilize aplurality of different images (and/or video) of a particular golf hole(or portion of a golf hole) to provide a clear representation of thegolf hole. More specifically, in such embodiments a first image may bean accurate representation of the global position of the golf hole,however the image may be visually unclear. Similarly, second image maybe a clear image of the golf hole, but the positioning data associatedwith the second image may be inaccurate. Such embodiments may beconfigured to reconcile the accurate data from the first image with theclarity of the second image.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplaryembodiment of a communications network, which may be configured tofacilitate communication of data. More specifically, as illustrated inthe nonlimiting example of FIG. 1, a network 100 may be utilized andinclude a Wide Area Network (WAN), such as the Internet, a publicswitched telephone network (PSTN), mobile communications network (MCN)and/or other network. Similarly, the network 100 may include a wirelineand/or a wireless local area network (LAN). Regardless of thecommunications medium and protocol, the network 100 may be coupled toone or more user devices 102 a, 102 b, 102 c. The user devices 102 a,102 b, 102 c (collectively referred to as user device 102) may include apersonal computer, laptop, special purpose location device, and/or otherdevice that is configured for communicating with the network 100. Whilethe user devices 102 a, 102 b may be wireline devices, the user device102 c may be configured for wireless communications and be configured tocommunicate with the network 100 via an access point 104 or otherwireless communications device.

Additionally included in the nonlimiting example of FIG. 1, is theaccess point 104. The access point 104 may be configured as a wirelesscellular tower, a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) hotspot, a worldwideinteroperability for microwave access (WIMAX) tower, a cellular tower,and/or other wireless node.

Also included in the nonlimiting example of FIG. 1 is a server 106. Theserver 106 may be configured to facilitate the communication of data,such as Internet data, email, instant messages, short message service(SMS) messages audio messages, video messages, and/or other electronicdata.

Further included in the nonlimiting example of FIG. 1, is a satellitenetwork 108. More specifically, the satellite network 108 may include aglobal positioning system (GPS) satellite network or other satellitenetwork that communicates data with the user devices 102 forfacilitating a determination of position of those user devices. Whilethe satellite network 108 is depicted in FIG. 1 as a single satellite,this is a nonlimiting example, as the satellite network may includeother satellites, computing devices, servers, networks, etc., dependingon the particular configuration.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a user device 102, whichmay be configured to provide options for uploading and/or downloadingcontent, such as in the network from FIG. 1. Although a wireless device(e.g., the user device 102 c) is illustrated, this discussion can beapplied to wired devices, as well. According to exemplary embodiments,in terms of hardware architecture, the user device 102 includes aprocessor 282, positioning hardware 283, a memory component 284, adisplay interface 294, data storage 295, one or more input and/or output(I/O) device interface(s) 296, and/or one or more network interfaces 298that are communicatively coupled via a local interface 292. The localinterface 292 can include, for example but not limited to, one or morebuses and/or other wired or wireless connections. The local interface292 may have additional elements, which are omitted for simplicity, suchas controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers toenable communications. Further, the local interface 292 may includeaddress, control, and/or data connections to enable appropriatecommunications among the aforementioned components. The processor 282may be a device for executing software, particularly software stored inthe memory component 284. The processor 282 can include any custom madeor commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), anauxiliary processor among several processors associated with the userdevice 102, a semiconductor based microprocessor (in the form of amicrochip or chip set), a macroprocessor, and/or generally any devicefor executing software instructions.

The memory component 284 can include any one or combination of volatilememory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM,SDRAM, etc.)) and/or nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive,tape, CDROM, etc.). Moreover, the memory 284 may incorporate electronic,magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media. One should notethat the memory 284 can have a distributed architecture (where variouscomponents are situated remote from one another), but can be accessed bythe processor 282.

The software in the memory 284 may include one or more separateprograms, which may include an ordered listing of executableinstructions for implementing logical functions. In the example of FIG.2, the software in the memory component 284 may include the golfinglogic 288, as well as an operating system 286. The operating system 286may be configured to control the execution of other computer programsand provides scheduling, input-output control, file and data management,memory management, and communication control and related services. Thegolfing logic 288 may be configured to facilitate processing of locationdata, as determined by the positioning hardware and combine this withgolf course data, user data, and/or other data. Additionally, thegolfing logic 288 may be configured to provide a user interface, whichconveys at least a portion of this data.

A system component and/or module embodied as software may also beconstrued as a source program, executable program (object code), script,or any other entity comprising a set of instructions to be performed.When constructed as a source program, the program is translated via acompiler, assembler, interpreter, or the like, which may or may not beincluded within the memory component 284, so as to operate properly inconnection with the operating system 286.

The input/output devices that may be coupled to the system I/OInterface(s) 296 may include input devices, for example but not limitedto, a keyboard, mouse, scanner, touch screen, microphone, etc. Further,the input/output devices may also include output devices, for examplebut not limited to, a printer, display, speaker, etc. Further, theinput/output devices may further include devices that communicate bothas inputs and outputs, for instance but not limited to, amodulator/demodulator (modem; for accessing another device, system, ornetwork), a radio frequency (RF) or other transceiver, a telephonicinterface, a bridge, a router, etc.

Additionally included are one or more of the network interfaces 298 forfacilitating communication with one or more other devices. Morespecifically, network interface 298 may include any component configuredto facilitate a connection with another device. While in someembodiments, among others, the user device 102 can include the networkinterface 298 that includes a personal computer memory cardinternational association (PCMCIA) card (also abbreviated as “PC card”)for receiving a wireless network card, this is a nonlimiting example.Other configurations can include the communications hardware within theuser device 102, such that a wireless network card is unnecessary forcommunicating wirelessly. Similarly, other embodiments include thenetwork interfaces 298 for communicating via a wired connection. Suchinterfaces may be configured with universal serial bus (USB) interfaces,serial ports, and/or other interfaces.

If the user device 102 includes a personal computer, workstation, or thelike, the software in the memory 284 may further include a basic inputoutput system (BIOS) (omitted for simplicity). The BIOS is a set ofsoftware routines that initialize and test hardware at startup, startthe operating system 286, and support the transfer of data among thehardware devices. The BIOS is stored in ROM so that the BIOS can beexecuted when the user device 102 is activated.

When the user device 102 is in operation, the processor 282 may beconfigured to execute software stored within the memory component 284,to communicate data to and from the memory component 284, and togenerally control operations of the user device 102 pursuant to thesoftware. Software in the memory component 284, in whole or in part, maybe read by the processor 282, perhaps buffered within the processor 282,and then executed.

One should note that while the description with respect to FIG. 2includes the user device 102 as a single component, this is anonlimiting example. More specifically, in at least one embodiment, theuser device 102 can include a plurality of servers, personal computers,telephones, and/or other devices. Similarly, while the description ofFIG. 2 describes the user device 102 as a mobile device, this is also anonlimiting example. More specifically, depending on the particularexemplary embodiment, other components, such as the server 106 and/orthe access point 104 may include similar elements and/or logic.Similarly, while the golfing logic may be configured in FIG. 2 with themobile device, the golfing logic 288 may take one or more differentforms, depending on the particular configuration. More specifically, asreferred to herein, the golfing logic 288 may include a user implementedpiece(s) of logic for receiving geographic data for a golf course.However, some embodiments refer to the golfing logic 288 as a technicianimplemented piece(s) of logic for mapping and/or otherwise configuringdata for the user application.

Additionally, while the golfing logic 288 is illustrated in FIG. 2 asincluding a single software component, this is also a nonlimitingexample. In at least one embodiment, the golfing logic 288 may includeone or more components, embodied in software, hardware, and/or firmware.Additionally, while the golfing logic 288 is depicted as residing on asingle device, such as user device 102, the golfing logic 288 mayinclude one or more components residing on one or more differentdevices.

One should also note that while the nonlimiting example of FIG. 2illustrates a user device 102, similar hardware and/or software may beassociated with the server 106. More specifically, the server 106 mayinclude one or more processor, memory component, etc., as well as logicfor processing and/or providing data to the user device 102.

FIG. 3 illustrates a nonlimiting example of an image of a portion of agolf course. In operation, a technician may access the image (inaddition to other images) to “map” a golf course. More specifically, thetechnician (via one or more of the user devices 102 and/or server 106)can determine the location of a tee boxes, greens, hazards, fairwayperimeters, and/or other features of the golf course on each hole. Theselocations can be determined by longitude and latitude coordinates and/orvia other positioning measurements.

One should note that, in addition to the image of the golf course, thenonlimiting example of FIG. 3, includes an overlay of a street “SecondAve SE” (represented in yellow). As discussed in more detail below, insome embodiments this road data may be utilized for determininggeographic accuracy of the image.

FIG. 4 illustrates a nonlimiting example of an image, illustratingutilization of a segment line on a golf course mapping, similar to thediagram from FIG. 3. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 4, thesegment line 402 may be constructed from a tee box location 404 to agreen location 406 for each hole. Additionally, if the hole includes a“dogleg,” a dogleg point may be included in a fairway portion 410 of thehole at the point where the fairway bends.

Also included in the nonlimiting example of FIG. 4, are one or more layup positions 412 a, 412 b (referred to collectively as lay up positions412) on the segment line. The lay up positions 412 may be automaticallyset at predetermined distances from the green location 406 (e.g., 100yards, 120 yards, 100 meters, etc.) and/or at predetermined distancesfrom a hazard; manually set by a user; and/or determined from past userplay. Additionally, if the segment line traverses a hazard, such as awater hazard, an out of bounds marker, a bunker, and/or otherundesirable location, the lay up positions 412 at those points may bedisabled to prevent an end user from relying on a lay up positions 412that could result in penalty shots or other undesirable results.Further, while some hazards may reside directly on the segment line 402,some hazards may be present on the hole, but not directly in a hazard.Accordingly, in those situations, a lay up position may still bedetermined.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate another nonlimiting example of an image of aportion of a golf course, similar to the image from FIG. 4. Asillustrated above, when a golf course is mapped for global positions, atechnician may access a plurality of different images. The technicianmay then determine which image is most accurate (FIG. 5A). This accuracydetermination can be performed by comparing an alignment of road mappingwith the image. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 3, when anonline (or other) map is provided, the map often includes road mappingthat overlays the image. As such, a determination can be made whetherthe road mapping and the image are accurately aligned with regard to thelocation of the golf course. As the road mapping is almost alwaysaccurate in terms of global position, the image of the golf course thatis most aligned with the road mapping can be determined as the mostaccurate image.

While accuracy of the image is important, oftentimes the most accurateimage is not the clearest image. Accordingly, an alignment between theclearest image (FIG. 5B) and the most accurate image (FIG. 5A) may beutilized using one or more common point positions 502. Morespecifically, mapping data of a golf course (as described in more detailabove) can be performed on the most accurate image. The most accurateimage can then be overlaid by the clearest image at a common pointposition 502. The common point position 502 may be a position (e.g., theposition of the first hole) that is indicated on the clearest image.When the clearest image overlays the accurate image, the two images arealigned at the common point position 502, such that the clearest imagecan utilize the mapping/positioning data from the accurate image.Additionally, while a single common point position 502 may be utilized,some embodiments may be configured to utilize a plurality of commonpoint positions 502 to reduce inaccuracies due to a rotation of theclear image from the accurate image.

FIG. 6 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface that may beprovided to a user, such as on the user device 102 from FIG. 1. Asillustrated in FIG. 6, the user interface includes a play golf option602, a statistics option 604, a scorecards option 606, a help option608, and an account option 610. More or fewer options may be provided,depending on the particular configuration.

FIG. 7 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface that may beprovided in response to selection of the play golf option 602 from FIG.6. As illustrated in the nonlimiting example of FIG. 7, in response toselection of the play golf option 602, from FIG. 6, a list of nearbygolf courses may be provided. The nearby courses may be determined by alocation previously selected by the user and/or via location (such asGPS) capabilities of the user device. Additionally included in FIG. 7 isa my facilities option 702, a browse option 704, a search option 706, anadd option 708, and a close option 710 for returning to the interfacefrom FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 illustrates a user interface that may be provided in response toselection of the my facilities option 702, from FIG. 7. Morespecifically, in at least one nonlimiting example, a user can indicateone or more golf courses that the user often plays for quicker access tothe information for those courses. The addition and/or editing ofcourses in the my facilities interface of FIG. 8, may be provided by theadd option 708, from FIG. 7, and/or at other places. Also included inthe interface of FIG. 8 is a nearby option 802 for returning back to theinterface from FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates a nonlimiting example of an interface that may beprovided to a user in response to selection of browse option 704 fromFIGS. 7 and 8. More specifically, the interface of FIG. 9 provides anoption for the user to select a worldwide geographic location fordetermining a desired golf course. Additionally, a golf course may befound by a user inputting a keyword of the desired golf course in thesearch option 706 in any of the interfaces in FIG. 7, 8, or 9.

FIG. 10 illustrates a nonlimiting example of an interface that may beprovided in response to a selection of a golf course from one or more ofthe interfaces from FIG. 7, 8, or 9. As illustrated in FIG. 10, CapitalCity Club Crabapple has been selected. Accordingly, this golf course islisted with an option 1002 to proceed. If however, the user wishes toadd a golf course to the selected facility that is not currently listed,the user may select add new course option 1004. To return to theinterface form FIG. 7, 8, or 9, the user may select a my facilitiesreturn option 1006.

FIG. 11 illustrates in a nonlimiting example of an interface that may beprovided in response to selection of the add new course option 1004 fromFIG. 10. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the interface includes a same asfacility option 1102, which allows the user to automatically use thesame name as in the existing course (e.g., Capital City Club Crabapple).Also included is a course name option 1104, which allows the user todetermine the course name. Also included are a number of holes option1106, which provide an option for the user to select the number of holeson the new course, as well as a photo option 1108 to take a photographof the scorecard of the new course with the user device 102. A saveoption 1110 is also included for saving the input data. A cancel option1112 may be accessed for canceling and returning to a previousinterface.

One should note that upon selection of the photo option 1108, the usercan take a photograph of the scorecard. The user device 102 may beconfigured to utilize a text recognition algorithm for converting thecaptured image into useable scorecard data. This scorecard data may thenbe entered into the user device, along with the other data input by theuser for the new course. Additionally, this scorecard data may be sentto the server 106 such that a new golf course can be provided to otherusers. Similarly, in at least one nonlimiting example, the user device102 may be configured to capture the photograph and automatically sendthe photograph to the server 106. The server 106 can then facilitatecapture of the scorecard data via text recognition, technician input,and/or via other techniques.

FIG. 12 illustrates a user interface for providing tee box data for acurrent round, similar to the interface from FIG. 11. More specifically,in response to selection of the option 1002 from FIG. 10, the user maybe provided with a list 1202 of tee boxes that are provided at theselected golf course. The user can select the tees that he/she isplaying in the current round. Additionally, if a tee box is not listed,the user can select the add new tee box option 1204 to create a new teebox. Additionally, if the user wishes to edit and/or delete a currentlylisted tee box, the user can select an edit option 1206. To return to aprevious screen, the user can select the back option 1208.

FIG. 13 illustrates a nonlimiting example of an interface that may beprovided in response to a user selection of the add new tee box option1204, from FIG. 12. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the interface includes atee color option 1302 for the user to select a color for the new teebox. Similarly, a name option 1304 is provided for the user to select aname of the new tee box. A forward tee box option 1306 is also providedand is configured to select the shortest tees for each hole as the newtee box (which can be edited by the user). Upon activation of theforward tee box option 1306, the pars and handicaps of each hole willautomatically be populated with the information of the forward mosttees. However, if the forward tee box option 1306 is deactivated, a parsand handicaps option 1308 may be provided (and not populated) forproviding an option to input the pars and handicaps for each hole on thenew tee box. Also included is a men's rating option 1310 and a women'srating option 1312 for receiving the respective rating for the new teebox. A save option 1314 and a cancel option 1316 are also provided.

FIG. 14 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface that maybe provided in response to selection of a tee box from the tee box list1202, from FIG. 12. As illustrated in FIG. 14, a handicap option 1402can be provided for indicating whether to include handicaps in thescoring of the current round. Additionally, in at least oneconfiguration, activation of the handicap option can facilitateutilization of the user's (and/or other players') score for input into ahandicap calculation system (e.g., golf handicap information network(GHIN) system). Also included is a scoring system option 1404, a startround option 1406, and a back option 1408.

FIG. 15 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface that maybe provided in response to selection of the scoring system option 1404,from FIG. 14. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the user can be provided with aplurality of scoring options 1502, such as stroke play, Stableford,match play, Nassau, Wolf, Las Vegas, and/or other scoring options forindividuals and/or teams. Also included is a back option 1504 forreturning to a previous interface.

FIG. 16 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface that maybe provided in response to selection of the start round option 1406,from FIG. 14. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the user may be provided withan option 1602 to add one or more other golfers. Additionally, a startround option 1604 is provided to begin the round.

FIG. 17 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface that maybe provided in response to selection of the start round option 1604 fromFIG. 16. As illustrated, FIG. 17 may be configured to provide distancesto a plurality of points on a given hole of the select golf course,based on the user's current global position. More specifically, in FIG.17, distances to a back edge of the green of hole 1 is provided, as wellas a distance to carry a left bunker, a distance to carry a rightbunker, a distance to a front edge of the green, a distance to reach theleft bunker, and a distance to reach the right bunker. Also included inFIG. 17 is a GPS option 1702 for providing the GPS distances shown inFIG. 17, a score option (described in more detail below) 1704, aprevious hole option 1706 a, a next hole option 1706 b, and aninformation option 1706 to provide information and options regardingcanceling the current round.

FIG. 18 is a nonlimiting example of a user interface for providing animage of a golf hole, similar to the diagram from FIG. 17. Asillustrated in FIG. 18, an aerial option 1802 and a score option 1804are provided, similar to FIG. 17. Similarly, a previous hole option 1806a and a next hole option 1806 b are also provided. Further, FIG. 18includes lay up points 1808 a, 1808 b, and 1808 c to show a user staticand/or dynamic lay up positions, described in more detail in FIG. 19.These lay up points 1808 may correspond to the lay up positions 412described with regard to FIG. 4, without presenting the segment line402. Some embodiments may be configured to display the segment line.

FIG. 19 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface forproviding lay up points, such as illustrated in FIG. 18. As illustratedin FIG. 19, one or more lay up points may be provided for the user to beapplied to any hole. More specifically, a user may be more proficientand/or desire to hit a shot from a particular distance. (e.g., 100 yardswith a sand wedge could be the user's favorite club and/or distance).Accordingly, the user may specify this preference in the option 1902 a.Once saved, (e.g., via save option 1904), a lay up point (such as lay uppoints 1808 a, 1808 b, and 1808 c from FIG. 18) may be provided on theaerial view, which corresponds to the specified distance. Further, adistance from the user's current location to that lay up position mayalso be provided in the interface from FIG. 17. Additionally, asdescribed above, if one or more of the distances indicated in options1902 a-1902 d reside in a hazard for a particular hole, that lay uppoint (e.g., lay up point 1808 in FIG. 18 and/or distance displayed inFIG. 17) may be prevented from display.

One should note that while the user may manually specify the distancesand/or club selection in options 1902, this is a nonlimiting example.More specifically, as described in more detail below, various statisticsmay be compiled and analyzed. Accordingly, in some embodiments adetermination of the user's most proficient distance and/or club may beautomatically determined and provided in the interface in FIG. 19 (aswell as in FIGS. 17 and 18). Other embodiments may simply provide staticlay up positions at common lay up points for a particular hole and/orfor a user of a particular handicap.

Similarly, other factors may be utilized in determining one or moredesired lay up positions. As a nonlimiting example, a determination of auser's past performance on the hole, may be utilized. Other factors suchas obstacles on a particular hole may cause an alteration of a lay upposition. More specifically, if the user's desired lay up position is100 yards, but on hole 16 of a particular golf course, the fairwaynarrows significantly at that distance, the user device 102 mayautomatically move the desired lay up position to avoid that obstacle.Other factors that may alter a desired lay up position include wind(and/or other environmental factors), pin position, elevation of aparticular green and/or fairway, current position of a user's ball, etc.

FIG. 20 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface forproviding statistical data regarding a user's performance on aparticular hole, as may be accessed by selecting the score option 1704,1804 from FIGS. 17 and 18. As illustrated in FIG. 20, a GPS option 2002,a score option 2004, a previous hole option 2006 a, and a next holeoption 2006 b are provided. Additionally, statistical data, such asfairway hit percentage, green in regulation (GIR) percentage, averagescore, and average putts may be provided. This statistical data mayrefer to the user and/or all users that play this particular hole. Alsoincluded is a score entry option 2008.

One should note that in the nonlimiting example of FIG. 20, only “Tony”is displayed. However, if in the interface of FIG. 16, the user enteredother golfers, those other golfers would be provided under “Tony” withan option to enter their scores, as well.

FIG. 21 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface forproviding a user's score on a golf hole, as may be accessed viaselection of the enter score option 2008, from FIG. 20. As illustratedin FIG. 21, the user may select the score and/or the number of putts onthe hole. One should note that the default score and holes may varydepending on one or more factors. As a nonlimiting example, if the userselects “par” for his or her score, the user device 102 mayautomatically default to “2” for the number of putts. While the user canchange this if the user did not putt twice, by defaulting to “2” theuser's input may be reduced.

Similarly, other factors may be utilized in determining the defaultscore and/or putts. As a nonlimiting example, if the user's averagescore is 4.4 (as shown in FIG. 20), the user device 102 may default topar (“4”) for the score. Similarly, if the average number of putts is2.0 (as also shown in FIG. 20), the default number of putts may be 2.Further, as another nonlimiting example, the user device 102 may beconfigured to determine the user's handicap and/or other information fordetermining a default score to thereby reduce the user input whilereceiving the desired scoring data. By selecting a save option 2102, thescore may be saved.

One should note that the user device 102 may determine some scoring datawithout prompting the user for the information. As a nonlimitingexample, if the user selects “par” as the score and “2” for the numberof putts, the user device 102 can safely assume that the user hit thegreen in regulation. Similarly, if the user selects “par” as the scoreand “1” as the number of putts, the user device 102 can safely assumethat the user missed the green on his approach shot, but “got up anddown” to save par. Similarly, other determinations may be made based onthe data received.

FIG. 22 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface forreceiving supplemental scoring data, similar to the diagram from FIG.21. More specifically, upon selection of the save option 2102 in FIG.21, the user may be presented with an option to select the club used offthe tee box for this particular hole, as well as whether the userreached the fairway (and if not, how the fairway was missed), whetherthe user's ball came to rest in a bunker at some point on the hole, andwhether the user incurred any penalty shots during the hole.Additionally, other data may be received from the user, such as clubsused on approach shots, and/or other data. Upon selection of a saveoption 2202, the supplemental scoring data may be saved.

FIG. 23 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface forindicating score, upon completion of a hole, similar to the diagram fromFIG. 20. As illustrated, after selecting the save option 2202 in FIG.22, the interface of FIG. 23 may be provided. More specifically, in FIG.23, score data 2302 indicates that the user scored “4” on hole 1 with“2” putts (shown in blue). The “4” in gray indicates the user's totalscore for the round and the “E” indicates his score relative to par (“E”meaning even par). By selecting a next hole option 2304, the user mayproceed to the next hole. The interfaces for the other 17 holes may besimilarly provided.

One should note that compiling and analyzing scoring data may also beutilized for automatically providing the user with club selection datathe next time the user plays a hole. More specifically, as illustratedin FIG. 23, the user hit the fairway of hole 1 67.7% of the time. Theuser device 102 may also know which club was used for each of thoseshots. If the user hits the fairway 100% with a 4 iron, but 0% of thetime with a driver, the user device 102 may suggest the user hit a 4iron. Similarly, it the user device determines that despite missing thefairway, the user averages a better score when hitting a driver, theuser device 102 may suggest the user hit a driver.

While this information may be provided after a user has previouslyplayed a hole, the in some embodiments, the user device 102 can suggestclub selection even if the user has never played a particular courseand/or hole. More specifically, based on the user's statisticalaverages, characteristics of a particular hole, environmental factors,etc., the user device 102 may provide club selection and/or strategyinformation to the user.

FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate scorecard data, as may be compiled fromuser input in the interfaces from FIGS. 20-23. More specifically, inFIG. 24A, data regarding the front nine holes is provided. In FIG. 24B,data regarding the back nine holes is provided. Although not explicitlyshown, cumulative data for the entire round may also be provided. Whilethe scorecard data may be provided upon completion of (or during) theround, scorecard data, such as that shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B may alsobe provided upon selection of scorecard option 606, from FIG. 6 at anytime. More specifically, the user device 102 can store rounds uponcompletion for subsequent viewing. Similarly, the server 106 may also beconfigured to receive and store the scorecard data for viewing from anydevice over a wide area network (WAN).

FIG. 25 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface that maybe provided in response to selection of the statistics option 604, fromFIG. 6. More specifically, the interface of FIG. 25 illustrates drivingaccuracy data. This data may be a compilation of the last 5 rounds, thelast 20 rounds, the last 50 rounds, all rounds, or other number ofrounds. Additionally, individual rounds may also be listed. This datamay be compiled from the scorecard data, such as that illustrated inFIGS. 24A and 24B.

FIG. 26 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface that maybe provided, similar to the interface from FIG. 25. More specifically,the data from FIG. 26 relates to greens in regulation, and is similar tothe data format provided in FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface that maybe provided, similar to the interface from FIG. 26. More specifically,the data from FIG. 27 relates to recovery performances, such asscrambling and sand saves.

FIG. 28 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface that maybe provided, similar to the interface from FIG. 27. More specifically,the data from FIG. 28 relates to putting averages including putts perhole and putts per green in regulation.

FIG. 29 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface that maybe provided, similar to the interface from FIG. 28. More specifically,the data from FIG. 29 relates to scoring averages by par of the hole.More specifically, the user illustrated in FIG. 29 averages 3.4 strokeson par 3's, 4.4 strokes on par 4's, and 5.3 strokes on par 5's.

FIG. 30 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a user interface that maybe provided, similar to the interface from FIG. 29. More specifically,the data from FIG. 30 relates to total scoring averages in relation topar. More specifically, the user illustrated in FIG. 30 pars 49% of theholes; bogies 35% of the holes; birdies 9% of the holes; and doublebogies (or worse) 7% of the holes. The user's score total averages 7.3over par.

One should note that the interfaces of FIGS. 25-30 illustrate overallstatistics of a round. Similarly, other statistical data may beprovided, such as data for a particular hole, particular course, clubselection data, etc.

FIGS. 31A and 31B illustrate a nonlimiting example of a user interfacethat may be provided in response to selection of the account option 610,from FIG. 6. As illustrated in FIG. 31A, the user may configure varioussettings, such as GPS settings, score settings, course sync regions.Additionally, account information may also be configured, as well asgolfer information and home course location.

FIGS. 32A and 32B illustrate a nonlimiting example of a process that maybe utilized in merging a plurality of images, such as in the system ofFIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 32A, a plurality of images may beaccessed for a golf course, such as by the user device 102 and/or by theserver 106 (block 3250). The images may be from different providers;however, this is not a requirement. Additionally, each of the images maybe analyzed for geographic accuracy to determine an image that meetspredetermined criteria for geographic accuracy (block 3252). Thisanalysis may include comparing the golf course image with road dataand/or via other techniques. The images may additionally be analyzed forvisual clarity to determine an image that meets predetermined criteriafor visual clarity (block 3254). This analysis may take the form ofdetermining metadata to determine the clarity of the images; a visualinspection of the images; and/or other analysis techniques.

A determination may then be made regarding whether the image with thedesired geographic accuracy is the same image with the desired visualclarity (block 3256). If so, that image may be geographically mapped(block 3258). If however, the image with the desired geographic accuracyis a different image than the image with desired image clarity, theprocess proceeds to jump block 3260, continued in FIG. 32B.

FIG. 32B is a continuation of the process from FIG. 32A. Morespecifically, from jump block 3260, a determination may be maderegarding the geographic location of one or more points of interest onthe image of desired geographic accuracy (block 3262). Additionally, acommon point may be determined on the image of desired geographicaccuracy and the image of desired image clarity (block 3264). Morespecifically, as described above, the common point may be, for example,the pin of the first hole. As the green of the first hole will be in thesame geographic location for both images (in this nonlimiting example),this location can be utilized as a common point. Additionally, someembodiments may use two common points for this purpose. The image ofdesired geographic accuracy and the image of desired image clarity maythen be merged, by aligning the determined common points (block 3266).Once the images are merged, the image with desired image clarity may beprovided to the user with the geographic data of the image of desiredgeographic accuracy.

FIG. 33 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a process that may beutilized for determining one or more lay up positions on a golf course,similar to the diagram from FIGS. 32A and 32B. As illustrated, a desiredimage of a golf course may be accessed (block 3350). A determination ofthe location of at least one tee box, at least one green, and at leastone fairway on the image may be made for at least one hole on the golfcourse (block 3352). As described above, this determination may be madebased on a visual inspection and/or an analysis of the image.

Additionally, a segment line may be constructed on the image, down thecenter of the determined fairway from the tee box to the green (block3354). At least one lay up position may be determined along the segmentline (block 3356). As described in more detail above, the lay uppositions may be user defined, static, based on past user performance,and/or based on other criteria. However, once the one or more lay uppositions are determined, a determination can be made regarding whetherany of the lay up positions resides in a hazard or other undesirablelocation on a particular hole and, in response to a determination thatthis is the case, that lay up position may be disabled (block 3358). Avirtual flyover of the golf hole may also be generated, utilizing theimage and displaying the segment line and enabled lay up position (block3360).

FIG. 34 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a process that may beutilized for providing user-configurable lay up positions, similar tothe flowchart from FIG. 33. As illustrated in FIG. 34, one or moreuser-configurable lay up positions may be determined (block 3450). Asdiscussed above, the user-configurable lay up positions may bedetermined via user input, and/or automatically determined, with anoption for a user to edit. Regardless, the one or more user-configurablelay up positions may be accessed for a particular hole (block 3452).More specifically, while some lay up positions may be specific to aparticular hole, in some embodiments, the lay up positions may begeneral in that they may be applied to (almost) any hole. As anonlimiting example, if the user selects 100 yards as a lay up position,that 100 yards may be utilized for any par 4 or par 5. However, block3452 refers to application of a lay up position to a particular hole.Once this has occurred, the user may be provided with one or moredistances from the user's current location to the one or moreuser-configurable lay up positions (block 3454).

The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in hardware,software, firmware, or a combination thereof. At least one embodimentdisclosed herein may be implemented in software and/or firmware that isstored in a memory and that is executed by a suitable instructionexecution system. If implemented in hardware, one or more of theembodiments disclosed herein can be implemented with any or acombination of the following technologies: a discrete logic circuit(s)having logic gates for implementing logic functions upon data signals,an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) having appropriatecombinational logic gates, a programmable gate array(s) (PGA), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), etc.

One should note that the flowcharts included herein show thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of a possible implementationof software. In this regard, each block can be interpreted to representa module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or moreexecutable instructions for implementing the specified logicalfunction(s). It should also be noted that in some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of theorder and/or not at all. For example, two blocks shown in succession mayin fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved.

One should note that any of the programs listed herein, which caninclude an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementinglogical functions, can be embodied in any computer-readable medium foruse by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus,or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system,or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instructionexecution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. Inthe context of this document, a “computer-readable medium” can be anystatutorily and judicially recognized means that can contain, store,communicate, or transport the program for use by or in connection withthe instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The computerreadable medium can be, for example but not limited to, an electronic,magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system,apparatus, or device. More specific examples (a nonexhaustive list) ofthe computer-readable medium could include an electrical connection(electronic) having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette(magnetic), a random access memory (RAM) (electronic), a read-onlymemory (ROM) (electronic), an erasable programmable read-only memory(EPROM or Flash memory) (electronic), an optical fiber (optical), and aportable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM) (optical). In addition,the scope of the certain embodiments of this disclosure can includeembodying the functionality described in logic embodied in hardware orsoftware-configured mediums.

One should also note that conditional language, such as, among others,“can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise,or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generallyintended to convey that certain embodiments include, while otherembodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps.Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply thatfeatures, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or moreparticular embodiments or that one or more particular embodimentsnecessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input orprompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included orare to be performed in any particular embodiment.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merelypossible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clearunderstanding of the principles of this disclosure. Many variations andmodifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) withoutdeparting substantially from the spirit and principles of thedisclosure. Further, the scope of the present disclosure is intended tocover all combinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features,and aspects discussed above. All such modifications and variations areintended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure.

Therefore, at least the following is claimed:
 1. A computer-implementedmethod for displaying lay up positions on a user computing device, themethod comprising: receiving an overhead image of a portion of a golfcourse, the overhead image obtained using a satellite network via anetwork interface; providing a user interface on a display of the usercomputing device; receiving via the user interface, one or more lay updistance preferences in association with one or more selected golfclubs; displaying on the display of the user computing device a segmentline on the overhead image, the segment line extending between a tee boxon a golf hole and a green on the golf hole, and bisecting a fairway ofthe hole; automatically determining, by a processor on the usercomputing device, at least one lay up position on the segment line, theat least one lay up position indicating a predetermined distance fromthe green, wherein the at least one lay up position is determined usingthe one or more lay up distance preferences; displaying the at least onelay up position on the display of the user computing device, the usercomputing device configured to determine a distance between the usercomputing device and the lay up position; automatically determining, bythe user computing device, whether the at least one lay up position islocated in a hazard; and in response to determining the at least one layup position is located in a hazard, automatically disabling, by the usercomputing device, the displaying of the at least one lay up position. 2.The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying a separate segmentline for each hole on the golf course.
 3. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising displaying a flyover animation of the golf hole utilizing arendering of the overhead image, the flyover animation being directedalong the segment line.
 4. A user computing device comprising: adisplay; a processor coupled to the display; a memory coupled to theprocessor; an application stored in the memory and executable using theprocessor, the application comprising: logic that receives an overheadimage of a portion of a golf course, the overhead image obtained using asatellite network via a network interface; logic that provides a userinterface on the display of the user computing device; logic thatreceives via the user interface, one or more lay up distance preferencesin association with one or more selected golf clubs logic that displayson the display of the user computing device a segment line on theoverhead, the segment line extending between a tee box on a golf holeand a green on a golf hole, and bisecting a fairway of the golf hole;logic that automatically determines at least one lay up position on thesegment line, the at least one lay up position indicating apredetermined distance from the green, the at least one lay up positionis determined using the one or more lay up distance preferences; andlogic that displays on the display the at least one lay up position to auser device, the user computing device is configured to determine adistance between the user device and the lay up position.
 5. The usercomputing device of claim 4, wherein the application is furtherconfigured to store a least one user customizable lay up position. 6.The user computing device of claim 4, wherein the application is furtherconfigured to store a segment line for each hole on the golf course. 7.The user computing device of claim 4, wherein the user interface isfurther configured to receive user configurable lay up positions.
 8. Theuser computing device of claim 4, wherein the application is furtherconfigured to determine whether the at least one lay up position islocated in a hazard.
 9. The user computing device of claim 8, whereinthe application is further configured to, in response to determiningthat at least one lay up position is located in a hazard, disable the atleast one lay up position.
 10. The user computing device of claim 4,wherein the application further configured to display a flyoveranimation of the golf hole utilizing a rendering of the image, theflyover animation being directed along the segment line.
 11. A systemcomprising: means for receiving an overhead image of a portion of a golfcourse, the overhead image obtained using a satellite network via anetwork interface; means for providing a user interface on a display ofthe user computing device and receiving via the user interface, one ormore lay up distance preferences in association with one or moreselected golf clubs; means for displaying a segment line on a computerdisplay of the overhead image, the segment line being constructed from atee box on a golf hole to a green on the golf hole, the segment linebisecting a fairway of the golf hole; and for displaying at least onelay up position to a user device; means for automatically determiningthe at least one lay up position on the segment line, the at least onelay up position indicating a predetermined distance from the green, thepredetermined distance derived from the one or more lay up distancepreferences; and for determining a distance between the user computingdevice and the at least one lay up position.
 12. The system of claim 11,wherein the means for providing a user interface further comprises meansfor receiving at least one user customizable lay up position.
 13. Thesystem of claim 11, wherein the means for displaying further comprisesmeans for displaying a segment line for each hole on the golf course.14. The system of claim 11, further comprising means to store datarelated to a user's past performance.
 15. The system of claim 11,wherein the means for automatically determining further comprises: meansfor determining whether the at least one lay up position is located in ahazard; and means for, in response to determining the at least one layup position is located in a hazard, disabling the at least one lay upposition.
 16. The system of claim 11, wherein the means for displayingfurther comprises means for displaying a flyover animation of the golfhole utilizing a rendering of the image, the flyover animation beingdirected along the segment line.